Heifer

Yonglimu was born in a remote impoverished village in a mountainous area of Shangri-la County, Yunnan. She became deaf after a serious illness in her childhood. Her family was so poor and could not afford to send her to special school for deaf. Thus she has never been to school. Her father Yang Jun even did not give her a name because as a tradition, school name could only be given to children who go to school. She only got a nickname -- Yonglimu. She could not speak because there was no way for her to learn languages. She could only use her eyes to keep contact with the world and she always saw the sad faces of her parents. The whole family lived on tiny piece of farm land with no more than RMB400 per capita per year. Potatoes and buckwheat were the main food for the family but they always didn't have enough of them. Sometimes, they had to borrow food from relatives or neighbors.

Life was quiet and lonely for Yonglimu. She helped her father with farm work and housework, and take care of her younger brother and sister. For the rest of time, she just did nothing at home. Her father decided to take care of her for the rest of her life but worried that he would get old one day.

At that time, Heifer started a project in the village. 

Six goats were the new family members brought by Heifer. They were lovely and Yonglimu liked them very much and took care of them carefully.

Her father attended the training provided by Heifer and he taught Yonglimu on what he learnt about animal husbandry. Her father thought that if Yonglimu was able to take care of animals, she can now have the capability to make a living. Thus she could have a new life and become self-reliant.

In the second year, the six goats gave birth to baby goats. They sold some of the goats, and bought some cows and pigs. They now have 12 goats, 10 cows and 7 pigs!

Now life has become much more interesting for Yonglimu! She grazes the goats on the mountain every day.

Her family living conditions have also been improved as they have income from selling animals, and no longer need to worry about food shortage. They can even afford having rice now. Heifer has also provided training on planting of kidney beans which brings extra income for them.

There have been also positive changes in the village. Women dance and sing after finished their work. Yonglimu enjoys dancing very much. Although she cannot hear the music, she can follow others and does not stay lonely in the house anymore.

Now her father wishes that Yonglimu can take care of these animals and is able to build a self-reliant life with these goats.

Honor Dad by helping families like Yonglimu on this Father's Day. Give a Heifer gift now and make this Father's Day a meaningful one for more fathers and send an e-card to let him know.